Skiing and snowboarding in south america or canada

Can any body recommend a place to go snowboarding or skiing in south America particularly Argentina? I'd like somewhere backpackery if such a place exists.

I'm also thinking about doing a season in whistler in Canada for the end of my round the world trip.

Advice on places to go and costs would be particularly useful, although any stories about wintry destinations would be good to read.

Skiing in South America....?! Is that actually possible?!

Argentina: Bariloche is popular. http://www.welcomeargentina.com/ski/index_i.html

BC: Whistler is expensive, even if you're working there. Why limit yourself to Whistler when there are so many other options? See for yourself http://www.skireport.com/bc/

las lenas, argentina
valle nevado, chile
portillo, chile

I've heard that Chile is the place to go for skiing in South America.

check out www.onthesnow.com

I realize this is an old thread, but if anyone is interested:

Chile is a great place to ski/snowboard in south america, a few places include: El Colorado, La Parva, Nevados De Chillan.

If anyone is considering a stop in Whistler on a RTW trip, or for any other reason, note the following. Whistler-Blackcomb is very expensive as it is a world class resort. Cypress and Grouse mountains are located in the Vancouver area and are cheaper, but of lower quality. If one finds themselves further east into BC/Alberta, a.k.a the Interior mountains, some good places are Kicking Horse in Golden,BC, Marmot Basin in Jasper, AB, and Lake Louise in Banff, AB. Jasper and Banff will be pricier as well because they are major tourist areas. They also have natural hot springs in both places.